NAKHOST NEWS – Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh stressed that the issue of Iran nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) doesn’t need a mediator.
Speaking at a weekly press conference on Monday, Khatibzadeh said, “The issue of the JCPOA doesn’t need a mediator. We have no direct or indirect talks with the US in the Vienna or anywhere else and negotiations in Vienna have been held between Iran and P4+1”.
“The Americans must reconsider their behaviors and maximum pressure on the Iranian people, which is in fact economic terrorism. If the United States returns to its obligations under Resolution 2231 in a verified manner, Iran will certainly suspend its retaliatory measures” he added.
Answering a question that whether Iran and Saudi Arabia have held talks on the sidelines of the Baghdad regional summit, Khatibzadeh said, “On the sidelines of the Baghdad regional conference, there wasn’t a new negotiation between Iran and Saudi Arabia”.
“Saudi Arabia is our neighbor in West Asia. Iran spares no efforts in friendship with Riyadh. Tehran and Riyadh share many commonalties for achieving peace and stability in the region,” he added.
“There are no unresolvable obstacles between the two countries. Resolving the issues only require the political will and action of Riyadh and Tehran,” Khatibzadeh stressed.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Khatibzadeh said, “The issue of the Iranians who have been taken hostage by the United States or in other countries under false pretenses will always be on the agenda of Iranian diplomats”.
“If the United States facilitates the release of Iranian prisoners and fulfills its commitments in this regard, it will be better for the Vienna talks as well,” he noted.
Asked about the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei’s recent remarks on Afghanistan and whether Iran would recognize the Taliban government, Khatibzadeh responded that what the Supreme Leader said was Iran’s solid stance during over 40 years of the Islamic Republic history and that Iran has been always beside Afghanistan people, prioritizing peace, stability, and development of Afghanistan.
“Afghanistan is our neighbor. The lives, property, and honor of Afghanistan must be protected by all groups.” he said.
“We welcome the formation of an inclusive government for Afghanistan. The future government of Afghanistan must fulfill all its commitments so as to maintain peace and stability in this country,” the spokesman added.